Related Content

Police said Peter Cortese, of Robinson Township, parked his vehicle along the trail, just off Hassam Road, about 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

A search began later that evening when he didn’t return home.

"When we got the call from his wife, we were informed that he had a doctor's appointment earlier that day -- he had some shortness of breath. She was leaving the housing plan, he was coming home. They passed each other. (He) left a note: 'I'm going walking on the Montour Trail,'" said Moon Township Police Chief Leo McCarthy.

The search was temporarily put on hold after stretching into the early morning hours. Cortese’s body was found when the search resumed Friday morning.

Investigators suspect Cortese may have been the victim of a medical emergency, possibly made worse by Thursday’s excessive heat.

"Perhaps he was out of breath, stood off to the side of the trail and then tumbled down," said Robinson Township police Lt. Ed Krall.

Anyone with information regarding Cortese’s death should contact Moon Township Police at 412-262-5000.